Mouth Guards Specialist in Lantana, FL

Mouth guards are essential protective devices, made from soft, flexible materials, that cover the teeth and gums to cushion them from injury. Whether your child is active in contact sports, recreational activities, or wears braces, a properly fitted mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of broken teeth, cut lips, and other oral injuries.

For our pediatric patients and those undergoing orthodontic treatment, mouth guards are especially important. Braces and other dental appliances can increase the risk of mouth injuries during physical activity. Our team customizes mouth guards to fit comfortably over braces, ensuring both protection and comfort.

Additionally, some children and teens may grind or clench their teeth at night—a condition known as bruxism. We can recommend and fit night guards to prevent excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and other complications.

Trust our dental professionals to guide you in choosing the right mouth guard for your child’s needs.

Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and dental work during sports and other physical activities. The type of mouthguard can significantly impact its level of protection, comfort, and fit.

Here are the most common types of mouthguards available:

• Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the most affordable and can be found at many sporting goods stores. However, they are often bulky, provide a poor fit, and can make it difficult to speak or breathe. Due to their one-size-fits-all nature, they offer the least amount of protection.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are made from a thermoplastic material that softens when heated in hot water. Once soft, the user places the mouthguard in their mouth and bites down to create a custom impression. While they offer a better fit than stock versions and are widely available, they may still not provide a secure or precise fit, especially for individuals with braces or other dental appliances.
• Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: These mouthguards are professionally made by a dentist or orthodontist. A precise impression of the teeth is taken to create a mouthguard that fits the user’s mouth perfectly. This type offers the highest level of protection, comfort, and security. It is particularly recommended for those with orthodontic appliances, as it can be designed to fit over braces and prevent damage to both the teeth and the orthodontic work.

For children and teens, especially those with braces, a custom-fitted mouthguard is often the best choice to ensure maximum protection and a comfortable fit that doesn’t interfere with their orthodontic treatment.

Mouth guards play a crucial role in dental safety by acting as a resilient barrier between the upper and lower teeth. When your child experiences a blow to the face during play or competition, a properly fitted mouth guard absorbs and disperses the force of impact, significantly reducing the risk of broken teeth, chipped enamel, and other dental injuries.

Our team at Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics recommends mouth guards not only to protect teeth but also to safeguard the soft tissues inside the mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, and tongue, from cuts and bruises. For children and teens undergoing orthodontic treatment, mouth guards are especially important—they help protect braces and other appliances, and minimize the risk of injuries related to brackets or wires.

Mouth guards also help stabilize the jaw, reducing the risk of jaw fractures and injuries to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By preventing direct contact between the upper and lower teeth, they lower the likelihood of tooth displacement and root damage as well.

Wearing a custom-fitted mouth guard during sports is a simple but highly effective way to safeguard your child’s oral health and prevent potentially serious dental trauma.

At Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics, we understand the importance of protecting your smile—especially for children, teens, and adults who may be experiencing teeth grinding at night, a condition known as nocturnal bruxism. Teeth grinding can lead to several dental health concerns, including worn-down enamel, jaw discomfort, headaches, and even cracked or damaged teeth over time.

Our experienced dental team often recommends mouth guards—also called night guards or dental splints—to help manage and prevent the damage caused by nighttime grinding and clenching. A professionally fitted mouth guard acts as a cushion between your upper and lower teeth while you sleep, minimizing direct contact and reducing the risk of wear and injury. Additionally, night guards help distribute the pressure from grinding more evenly, which may lessen muscle and jaw joint pain often associated with bruxism.

Custom guards provide superior comfort and protection compared to over-the-counter options, making them ideal for both pediatric and adult patients. While night guards do not address the root causes of bruxism—such as stress or misaligned teeth—they are a highly effective way to safeguard your teeth and support your overall oral health.

• Dr. Richard Donatelli and Dr. Aditi Patel: As orthodontists, Dr. Donatelli and Dr. Patel are experts in creating custom mouthguards that fit perfectly around braces or other orthodontic appliances. They ensure that your mouthguard protects your teeth without compromising your orthodontic treatment.

• Dr. Mitchell Gruzmark: As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Gruzmark works with younger patients to provide sports mouthguards tailored for growing and developing mouths, giving parents peace of mind that their children are protected from injuries. 

By taking an impression of your mouth, the dental experts at PB Braces craft a mouthguard that is not only comfortable but also highly effective. Whether you need protection during a sports game, a restful night’s sleep, or relief from sleep apnea, they have the right solution for you.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of teeth grinding, schedule a consultation with Palm Beach Braces and Pediatrics. Our specialists can assess your needs, provide a comfortable, custom-fit mouth guard, and discuss additional treatment options to ensure lasting dental health. For more information, please contact us. We serve patients from Lantana, FL, Greenacres FL, Wellington FL, Aberdeen FL, Palm Springs FL, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach FL, and surrounding areas.